Making progress in Sakon Nakon

Hello Family

I hope you are having a Great time at the beach. Here in Sakon we have had a great week. But its been a lot of work that Elder Peacock and I had to do.

Mostly it has been involved with finding people to teach. I realize now why President Smith put so much stress on it a few months ago at a Zone conference. Here is a dumb thing to say but I have learned how true it is now. When you find people to teach, you have people to teach, then you have people to baptize and become members in the Kingdom of God. Its true. The start of missionary work is finding people to teach. I learned this because of the events of the last 4 months.

I don't know if I have ever talked about it but for the last for months Sakon Nakhon has been a "Dead area." I was so excited to leave Lop Buri because the way Lop Buri was going it became a "dead area" as well on my 4th moves there. Let me define the term "Dead Area." A "Dead Area" is an area that isn't producing the "Numbers" needed to be progressing. Numbers refer to the key indicators that missionaries report every week to their leaders such as how many new investigators you have taught in the last week, how many Investigators are going to church each week, or how many investigators that you are teaching have a date to get baptized. There are a few other things as well. For Sakon Nakhon it has been a long time since the area has gone anywhere. When I came into this area at the end of January they had a full Area book (the book the missionaries keep all their records in. That can include but is not limited to current progressing investigators, new investigators, potential investigators and former investigators. There's some other things in it as well) of Investigators that were not really going anywhere. So with some convincing Elder Blackhurst and I began dropping investigators that were not going anywhere. At this time missionaries had the feeling if you let go of an investigator you may never have anyone new to teach thus making your days full of no fun inviting in the hot sun with hours on hours without end. So it was really really hard to drop investigators. Now days that idea has changed I'll go into that later. So by the end of my 5th moves with Elder Blackhurst we had cleared out most of the investigators that were not going anywhere. Next when Elder Blackhurst left and Elder Jolley became my companion, we continued to teach and drop investigators but we were not finding very effectively so the area slowly ran out of investigators. Because we suddenly had no one to teach, we had no one to go to church, therefore no one was baptized in the past few months. This was a very hard time for Elder Jolley and I but to keep it simple we were really teaching anybody who was really willing to progress in the gospel full heart, mind, might. and strength plus because the area was not producing the numbers, The Assistants then became involved and began putting more pressure on us to improve, Which was needed. By the end of my 6th moves Sakon Nakhon was a dead area and we spent most of our days inviting. But we didn't do it very effectively I think because we didn't really ever find anyone to teach. So the theme of the next moves, moves number 7, was just like Obama's campaign, Change. Elder Jolley and I made goals to repent of all our mistakes in the past and start new going back to the basics. Last moves I really learned that contrary to what I think Preach My Gospel, as President Smith puts it,was written on the other side of the veil and not just some book of suggestions that the Brethren of the church gave to the American missionaries. Of course I didn't really think that to that extreme but I like to exaggerate. Really all it was was that over the last few years missionaries have drifted away from using Preach my Gospel as they should and it has been taught from father to son or from trainer to trainee or from senior companion to junior companion. Any ways that's a lot of nonsense that i just typed so I'll get back to the original story. So last moves I learned a lot of stuff to help this area become a progressing area again.

Near the end of the moves I don't know why but I had the desire to stay one more moves. I think that I didn't want to leave another dead area like I left Lop Buri. So I did something that to this day I'm still wondering why I did it. I wrote President Smith and asked if I could stay another 6 weeks. Much to my surprise President Smith said OK and made me District leader of Sakon Nakhon. Normally I would have been the one that moves because when Elder Jolley left I had been here the longest. Anyway, the whole point of these 2 long paragraphs is this, In the last few weeks, with the help of my companion Elder Peacock, we have been able to change the direction of the area. Its was a slow start but its been like a Exponential Graph (look Jen I found a use for math after high school, I think).

Yesterday was the first day we had investigators at church for about 2 months I think. Even some of the members were excited for them coming in as well. Yesterday the Branch President was kind enough to ask me to speak in church so I was sitting on "The Stand" with another member when our investigators walked in. The member next to me, Brother dom or tree, who also is a return missionary, looked over and asked, "Is that a whole family?" I replied yes. He was really impressed. This idea that President Smith had of teaching families not just single people with families really works.

Not only have we had success in getting a family to church but now we are finding about 9 new investigators every week. We have several truly progressing investigators, and we have been finding about 30 people who might be investigators in the future every week. I have started losing sleep on all the people that I have to worry about helping progress. Its great.

One thing I do know is there is no way that I personally could have done this alone. The Lord has really blessed us to help this area grow. He has made us instruments in His hands.

One thing that I keep thinking about is that we can't get complacent or ever be satisfied. So Elder Peacock and I will continue to keep trying to improve. Its been a satisfying week.

Anyways so it sounds like you guys are having a good week on the beach. The beach house really has changed that much huh? sweet I hope I get a chance to go again when I get back.

About this Mercedes. I think Connor is right, I think it's just a joke you're playing on me. lol. I never saw any photos of it. So I don't believe that its true. But if it was true, I almost laughed because I know how much Dad wanted one and coincidentally it sounds like it was totaled. Sorry Dad. So what did the damage look like? How were the other Cars? Was anybody else hurt? HIw are you doing dad?

Hey last week I bought a card reader so i can send pictures a lot easier now. So I put some up. The first few are of Elder Peacock's and my adventure this morning. We went to a fabric shop to buy some cloth because Elder Peacock wants to make a book cover for his Book of Mormon in Thai. When we got there it literally was full of piles and piles of fabric. So I snapped some photos and thought that Mom would enjoy seeing how the fabric stores are here in Thailand. We spent a long time going through the very thin walking space to find some fabric that we liked.

The other photos are of our house. The first two are of the sleeping/study room. and the other our living room and kitchen. This house here is really really big for just 2 Elders. It has 4 bedrooms on the top floor, a kitchen a back yard....kind of, 2 bathrooms, with only one working shower. It's not perfect but it will do.

Connor. Its good to hear that you are getting in shape for next season. You've still got a long way to go until you beat my time in backstroke. You can't do it until I'm there to see you. Any ways good luck. Enjoy the rest of the summer.

OK I have to go. It just started to rain and we still need to get haircuts, sigh.


I love you all

Elder Brandon John Holt

Fourth of July in Thailand

Hello family
Well sad to say, Thailand doesn't have any 4th of July celebrations. I almost forgot it was fourth of July until I got up in front of the branch to bear my testimony for probably that last time in this branch, and it dawned on me. How amazing is it that we are able to have religious freedom in our country. This is something that I have been thinking about a little bit because I'm relatively close to the border of Laos. Where they really can't be anything other than Buddhist. I am not even sure if that's possible either. But the church does have one branch in the capital city of Laos. They are not allowed to put up any signs to say that there are Latter-Day Saints or that they believe in Christ. I also hear that they are persecuted a lot for their beliefs. How blessed are we? I think being here as a missionary has helped me to realize how important the Restoration was and what a miracle it was that it happened in America when it did and how it did. It goes to show us that Heavenly Father is really in control and that there is no need to fear.

Well this last week went by really fast. On Monday after Elder Peacock and I sent our emails, we went and met up with the Zone leaders in Udorn, and switched off from there. I switched off with Elder Degrafanit. I think that's how you spell his name, to make it easier he has Thai people call him Elder D. They can't really remember his name let alone say it. Anyways that night Elder D and I went to a family home evening at a members house who was having a neighbor over to introduce the missionaries. It was interesting, but in the end I think that they had a good idea of the elders and they might even get a chance to go back another day and teach.

That night we stayed in Udorn. Then in the morning we got up really early and started on the long bus ride home. That day was a good one. We taught an investigator named Dong, as in the sound the door bell makes ding dong. I wish I could add tones to this it would make it a whole lot easier to describe people's names. I guess I could write it in Thai ต๋อง I'm not sure that would help at all. Anyways. Dong is a sweet guy. He has a wife and 3 kids that we are trying to teach as well who aren't quite as interested but we are working on that. Dong was going to try to go to church but he said that his motorcycle was broken. We taught him about God and prayer again to help him understand better. Today we are going to go back and teach about prophets and the Savior's earthly ministry.

Elder D and I spent a lot of time inviting in that new area that we found last week. It was about 7 kilos away so each day we rode our bikes a long way but it was worth it. By Thursday we had the chance to teach 2 new families who we are going to try and get to church this week. It's really good to see our area moving again. It has been a long few weeks here without teaching anyone or having anyone to go to church. But that's all in the past.

I had an interesting experience that I want to share, but I'm a little worried about sharing because mom might over react. This isn't really as bad as it might sound. So on Sunday I really wasn't felling very good. I had a stomach ache and I wanted to throw up. Thankfully I have the members to look after me. In reality I have about 6 moms here in this branch. Anyways I left Sunday school a little early to go to the bathroom and as I came out one of the older members was there with an ovoltine milk. She gave it to me and made sure that I drank it even though I protested. I think it helped a little. Later the same member showed up with a bottle an off brand Peptobismal which also helped. I love the members here.

So throughout the week, the stomach ache didn't go away. So with my best knowledge of the missionaries I figured it was a worm or something like that. So I called Sister Smith who is our medical adviser for the missionaries. She wasn't too worried but said I needed to go to the hospital to get it checked out and get the drugs that I need to get rid of the worm if it was one. This was the experience that I want to explain. It really isn't as bad as it sounds. Elder D and I went to the hospital and handed my hospital card that says the the church insurance will guarantee pay to someone and after going through all the paperwork they led us to the waiting room. Or I think that's what it was. They were kind enough to give me a number as well to wait for. It was number 44. This room we were placed into had a lot of people in it. A lot. So much that Elder D and I just stood up on the side so we wouldn't have to fight for a seat. We hung around for about 2 hours talking to everyone around us. It really was kind of fun because everyone kept asking me why I was there, I just kept telling them that I ate a plate of som tum, or that papaya salad, that was too spicy. They always howled with laughter when they heard that and then told me that I shouldn't try to be like a Thai person. Really I think I could out do any Thai person in spice now days. And don't forget the rotten fish sauce. Yes I do eat that, if cooked right its OK to eat. Anyways so when my name was called I went up to a nurse and tried my best to describe what I was feeling, she tried her best to ask me the questions that she needed to ask. I think in the end neither of us understood because the doctor, or I think he was a doctor, asked about a hernia. Anyways after talking to that nurse she sent me to another part of the room where we sat and waited again. Its kind of fun to be with a big group of Thai people because if you are 6 feet or taller you can see over everybody head. Anyways after another waiting line, some more howls of laughter because of the "too spicy to handle joke" I finally got to see the doctor. I'm curious on where he went to school or what they teach doctors here. The examination he did goes as follows. He asked me to lift my shirt he poked me twice in the stomach and then said it was bacteria. Then he gave me a list of drugs and sent me on my way. I had to laugh when I got the drugs he gave me I could become a really rich drug dealer with how easily it was to get them.

Anyways afterwords, I gave Sister Smith a call to tell her about the visit and asked about the drugs. She okayed them and since I have taken them last week I feel a lot better. He must have been right. Funny how that happens sometimes. Anyways it was a fun experience that I hope I never have to deal with again. It really wasn't as bad as it seems, I promise mom.

At the end of the week we had Zone conference where we learned about our relations with the members and about the importance of teaching families. So here is a statistic that opened my mind. I think here is how it went I'm not sure about the math. But if every companionship was to teach on average 10 families of 5 people a week. Then with the numbers of missionaries in Thailand now, at 10 years down the road we still wouldn't have gotten close to teaching half of the population of 69 million people. We have our work cutout for us. Last year just after I came into the country President Smith set a goal to have the average number of people going to church each week around 8000 people in 10 years. That be a way to show that Thailand was getting ready for a temple. This last week in zone conference President Smith changed the goal and upped the bar. He said by teaching families like we have been in the past months we should be able to hit that number in 2 years. So the goal has change from Thailand having a temple in 10 years to having a temple in 2 years. I'm up for the challenge.

That made me really excited to be a missionary here in the next year.

Wow, Connor what a fun way to get your eagle. In the Stadium of Fire. I am sorry that I can't be there to sit in the eagles nest but I'll be there in spirit. Sounds like you guys had a great fourth of July. Did the parade happen on Saturday. what about fireworks. I was wondering how that worked out with it being on Sunday and all.

I remembered something that Grandpa told me before I got my mission call. He said he wanted me to go to Fiji so I could wear a lava lava instead of pants for church. I don't think I have ever talked about it. Here the native men use a thing called a Pa-kow-ma. which is just a cloth to wrap around your legs when you don't want to wear pants. I got one here a few months ago. Although I can't wear one when I'm tracting. It's fun to wear in the house at night. If I think about it, I might get a picture of me in one and send it home.


Well that's about it for this week.

I love you all
Eat a frozen banana for me

Elder Brandon John Holt

need fireworks!

Hello Everyone

Well I would like to take the time to rant a little about computer games. Coincidentally we are here in Udorn this week for switch offs. On the way down I was reading Elder Bednars talk about "things as they really are," which came out in this months Liahona. Anyways the reason I want to rant is we are in an internet cafe where there are about 60 plus 14 to 16 year old's who all just got off of school, and Elder Peacock and I can barely hear each other because they are shouting so loud. We almost didn't get computers to work on either. Don't ever waste your time in a computer place playing games.( I'm one to talk after hasters) Anyways after that i feel better.

Well, this week in Sakon Nakon Has been a busy one for us. We have been trying our hardest to teach all those who we taught last week while trying to find and keep in contact with new investigators this week. Both we're not doing too well. But that's alright this week we have set some goals and plans to change that. We found and taught 9 new investigators this last week. That's a lot more then we originally set goals for. Its way sweet. There are some families and some single people as well in that group.

Elder Peacock and I have been going to areas outside of the main city of Sakon. Its sweet because we found one or two neighborhoods that I have passed before but never saw because They were hidden in the jungles... well... trees and would have never found them except we were willing to go onto every little street that branched off of the main street to Udorn. We went out of the city about 7 kilos at one point. I'm not sure how far that is in miles. The suggestion is not to leave the areas more then 10 kilos from your house if you are in an area that you can only bike in. It starts to take a lot of travel time and the distances to church can be a factor on weather or not investigators go to church.

This coming week the Zone leaders will be switching off with us. So like last time some one will be here in Udorn and the other companion will be going back to the area for the week. Unlike last time I'm the district leader and will be the one returning to Sakon while Elder Peacock will stay in Udorn. I'm way excited. I always love switch offs because I get to learn a lot. Especially this time being an inexperienced DL, I have a few questions that I'm going to ask for help on.

At the end of the week we have zone conference in Khong Keng. That's were Elder Peacock and I will meet up again and return to our area. I believe President Smith will explain his vision with missionaries and member relations. Its something that as a mission we have been really working on. Elder Peacock and I have been trying to follow as close to Preach my Gospel as we can but at the same time there are a few questions that need to be answered by a mission president. I think our over all broad vision is to make it like the relations between Missionaries and members at home. Where no one really knows the elders but at the same time the elders are working thought the ward mission leaders to continue to help the branches and wards progress.

This week we had a return missionary that came back to the Sakon Nakon branch with his wife and parents. We ran into him one time when we were inviting and it happen to start raining. thankfully a members house was near by and we could take some cover for a few minutes until the rain lessened. He had been a missionary in Sakon about 2 years ago. His mom took our names and phone numbers. she said she wanted to call you and tell you how we are doing. So you might get a phone call in a few weeks.

I wish I had a way to send more pictures this week but we left all that stuff back home. I'm glad you enjoyed the ones from last week. The people we were eating with were mostly members. Some were just friends and other people that worked there at the place we were at as well. We were at a dentist office.

In the recent weeks people have been planting rice and working more in the fields. Its been really sweet to watch and talk to people that we invite. It seems that almost every one here in Sakon have a rice field or two that they work in. That differently is the crop to grow. I'll try and get some pictures of it to send home if i have the chance


Connor is in the Stadium of Fire. What is he doing in it?

I'm glad you told me grandma is still living, I was afraid you forgot to mention something or that I missed something in a past email. So what was given to us through her will. I hope grandma is not to upset for being left in a care center. I remember that was the last thing that she wanted to do. How is the Holt family doing with the recent events?

oh man everyone is getting married. all my cousins that were close to my age as well. That's strange. Wish Greg congrats from me.

Okay I think that's all I got for this week

I love you all.


Elder Brandon John Holt

PS I had an opportunity to listen to Jens radio broad cast way back when I was in the MTC this last week. Way to go Jen!!

Wow this leadership thing is harder then i thought :P

Hello Family

It sounds like everyone has had a good week back at home. Connor you do have a very busy summer. One thing i will always remember is Brother and Sister Hutchison (I can't spell) advice before they left on there mission in Argentina, which is enjoy the summer between your 9th and 10th grade year because after this year you will have a job and have to fight off girls. So its a good thing you are doing all that. It sounds like a blast.

Well this week is a little different being the leader here has pushed my stress levels a little bit. Elder Peacock and I have been working really hard to find and teach new families. That seems to be what President Smith is stressing all over the mission. We need to find families rather then single people out of families. The hard thing about this week is the last few days the families that we have been teach before haven't been able to meet with us. So we had to make do with finding new families for the moment. We were able to teach three or four new families and its great because this next week we are going to revisit all of them to help them progress.

Elder Peacock is a great guy. As I told you last week he is from Orem, Utah. I found out though that he has lived all over Europe, mainly France. He says that everyone in his family speaks French fluently but he forgets it because of the Thai that is going through our head. He has been in Thailand for about 6 months already. Coincidentally he came to Sakon about the same time that I got here in my 5th moves. He is in his five moves and just came out of a area in my old zone. So he was able to give me a update on what has been going on the last 4 months in Lopburi.

The other way that I am able to get up dates from my old area is through the moves meetings and through letters from the members that I keep in contact with. The missionaries are able to send mail through the system of sending stuff to the office and then the office distributing through out the mission. I have been keeping up with a family that I saw baptized while I was there. Elder Peacock has a card reader to upload his photos so if I have time I'm going to try and upload a photo or two.

I didn't tell you last email but, Elder Hawks my second companion has Finished his mission and went home. He left last moves meeting. That's way strange to think that. I think in 2 more moves Elder Blackhurst will leave then following that Elder Jolley and then well everyone after that is younger then me in the mission so then that means I'm next. Scary. Not to be trunky or anything.

Ok so I got some photos on this time. I think I will buy a card reader. This is a lot better. Any ways. The first photo is of that family that I am writing in Lopburi. That was my last night there. Next is a golfing photo of when elder Blackhurst and I took some R and R time. Then, well, it speaks for itself. After that is Elder Jolley and I and our Songran experiences. There are a lot more as well but I didn't have room to upload them...so next week. Enjoy!

Ok that, I think, is it for this week.

I love you.

Elder Brandon John Holt

District leader and new companion

Hello Everyone

Well This week was not what I was thinking it was going to be. First I will say I have not yet moved areas. That puts me four moves in Lop Buri and four moves in Sakon Nakon. Well I'll start with Monday. We went back and taught Joe and Meow( This is a different person). They are a sweet family. We went back and had their kids join in on the lesson this time. We asked Meow who is mom to explain prayer. She did wonderfully and added something that impressed me a lot. She said to her kids,"We are going to try out what they teach us AS A FAMILY because it is important to do things like this AS A FAMILY. If in the end its not right for us we at least tried it AS A FAMILY ( the Caps are added by me)". Anyway, it was really sweet. They said they were going to try to go to church this week but couldn't make it at the last minute. That's alright for now. We will teach them again next week.

Well Wednesday turned out to be a stressful day for everyone in the mission. Let me explain. So I first recieved a phone call in the morning. To my surprise it was President Smith. He told me that he had taken interest in the letters that I sent the last few weeks. I have been asking to stay in Sakon Nakon for one more moves. He told me he was willing to grant that request and that he was going to up my responsibilities by making me District leader. At this point I almost fell off my bike. Anyway I told him that I would be happy to accept the calling. He then told me that I would have to go to moves meeting for some training that was to be held Friday night. Take note of that last information.

So we learned from that call that Elder Jolley would be moving and me staying (woot woot). Well Elder Jolley and I decided to celebrate the normal way that we celebrate here which is to order two large pizzas and be filled. After that we returned home and studied. In study the Zone Leaders called and confirmed our knowledge that Elder Jolley was moving and I was staying.

After study we went to go check the bus times. It was about 5pm and that's when the last bus leaves. So we took note and started to head off to invite. As we were heading to the area that we were planning to talk to people, the Zone leaders called again and told us that plans had changed. They wanted us to leave for Udorn, where we would take a train or bus down to Bangkok, right away. We thought they were kidding at first because Elder Jolley hadn't even thought about packing yet. Much to our dismay they said that they weren't and moves meeting had been moved a day in advance. So because there were no buses leaving in that direction until the morning we had to hire a taxi AKA someone with a pick up truck who ask us for 3000 baht or about 90 dollars give or take, to go. We had no other choice so we took it.

We left Sakon after Elder Jolley packed about 7:30 and got to Udorn about 9:30 which was making really good time, at least we got something for the price. From there we hung out in the Udorn Elder's house until 3am when we hopped on our bikes and went to the bus station, where a bus that the church had paid for would pick us up and take us down to Bangkok.
It was a really nice double-decker bus that came with massage seats. Needless to say however I did not sleep very well. We stopped on the way down at some other cities to pick up other missionaries.

At about 12 we got to Pakkret were the meeting was held. Those who were renewing visas hopped on another bus, the rest of us stayed at the church and ate a good Thai meal that was provided by the members there. At night the new missionaries arrived with President and Sister Smith. And the moves meeting began. ELder Jolley got a new companion and I ashamed to admit it but I have no idea where he moved to. My new Junior companion is Elder Peacock. He is a pretty sweet guy. I'm way excited to work with him. He is from Orem, Utah.

After that I went into a training meeting and met some of the other members in my group as well, where we were trained by one of the Assistants to the President and a Zone Leader about the responsibilities and other things that the District leaders are supposed to do.

After that it was a mad dash to fit all the luggage and bikes and other things back onto the bus and hop on and return.

I'm way excited for this moves. Things have already started to move. We taught a new family the first day that we were back who are way sweet. Yesterday we had the most people come to church that I have ever seen for a long time. About 54 people showed up. And we were able to set up some new appointments with other families the next few days.

I definitely agree with that article that you sent. That is one of the things that Elder Ito, my trainer, taught me a lot. Everyone has been blessed with different talent and gifts. Then the Lord places us in the right place with the right person in the right circumstances. Then if we are following the commandments and keeping our covenants, we will do the things that the Lord has prepared us to do in this life and time.

I got the package that you sent mom. Thank you for the food as well. I love pudding! I am way impressed with the few talks that I have read in the conference talks so far. I really like Elders Packer's where he literally calls every priesthood holder. Those here are tired, lazy, fallen away, and those who are active and fulfilling their callings to step up and increase the power of the priesthood of the Lord upon the world.

You don't need to send any more deodorant for a little bit. I still have 3 sticks that I haven't used yet but thank you for the concern.

Sounds like Dad and Connor are having a good time and can understand my situation when I first got here a little bit, lol.

The rain, well it comes and goes. Sometimes it comes down way hard for all night. and sometimes hard for just a few minutes, but it always comes down hard I have noticed. So we normally try to find cover if it starts raining and we are not in a rush.

Ok my time is up

It's been a crazy week, and its only going to get better.

I love you all

Elder Brandon John Holt

Week 53

Hello family


First I want Dad and Connor to know that I'm jealous. Other then that I don't need to rant any more.

Well this week nothing really too exciting has happened. We had the chance to start teaching a new family. I'm way excited about them. About a week ago we were inviting in a area that we have been going to for the past few weeks. It's a small little neighborhood behind a hotel. Anyways we hadn't had any real success in this area but we decided to go back for another look. We spent a few minutes walking around, And talk to some people who weren't really interested in learning about the gospel. So after having no luck we decided to go. As we were heading out towards the main street, this neighborhood only had one main way in and out, I noticed a street that we had never gone down before that had a house with its lights on. I told Elder Jolley and we decided to take a look. As we got closer to the house at the end of the street, we noticed a man on top of the roof, which made us even more interested to talk to him. We got to the house and called out to him and asked him what he was doing? He replied he was looking at the stars. This night however a storm was in the process of rolling in so you couldn't see the stars. Anyways we had a funny conversation after that that I can't really recall. Turns out he was really up there to stick a satellite dish on his brother's house. As I was talking to him the owner of the house started to talk to Elder Jolley. It was strange because the first thing he said is oh I wanted to talk to you guys, I'm interested. That kind of through us off. We asked he if he knew that we taught religion not really English. (most people think we are mainly here to teach English). He replied that he knew that and he was interested in both. So we invited him to come to English with his family and made an appointment to come back a few days later.

When we went back it was a really good first lesson with him and his wife. At first his wife was really closed to us but by the end of the lesson she prayed to close the lesson. That is something that is always exciting the first time someone prays. Today after we finish up we are going again to teach them. I called Joe, the owner of the house, last night and he seemed really excited to have us come.

The rest of the week nothing really exciting has happened. We both have been getting more and more nervous as we get closer to moves meeting because there is a possibility either one of us can move, even both of us can move. If nothing crazy goes down it will most likely be me that moves. But we'll see. Hopefully we find out tomorrow when the zone leaders call.

Well regarding to the Questions in the email. For the last few months it been really hard to send a lot of letters out. So I have this big pile of letters from people that sent me some way back in March that I need to reply to. No worries though I'm sure I will find time to reply to all as well as send out new letters as well.

That sounds like a crazy week Elder Hale had. To think a volcano. I'm glad I'm here in Thailand where the people keep telling me they don't get earthquakes, or volcanoes, or anything else that too crazy, just lots of rain. Everyday. Did he have to leave his area for a little bit?

Connor when did you become interested in Girls??? Sounds like you have had a party the last week. I remember that time, that was one of my favorite. Anyways don't have too much fun that we can't party when I get back.

Ok Sorry for the short letter this week. Have fun in the south Dad and Connor. Don't forget to wear sunscreen. I have learned that the hard way the last few weeks. Yes mom I put sun screen on every day.

I love you all

Elder Brandon John Holt

PS. Oh I almost forgot.

Two Sundays ago I had the chance to give the German Book of Mormon and the Gospel Principles book to Vernon the German man. He was really happy to get them because he could understand better what we were teaching in church. I haven't yet seen him since then to follow up. Thank you for your help with sending that here.

One year down!

Hello Family


Well Its going to be a really strange week because I'm hitting the one year mark. I had a thought today as we were cleaning the house. I think it was one year today that I gave my farewell talk. That's strange. Anyways.

This last week I did a lot of traveling outside of my area. As the last email said I was in Udorn with Elder Rovic. He is one of the 2 zone leaders. The other Zone leader, Elder Westwood, Came to Sakon Nakhon and worked with Elder Jolley here. I learned a lot from Elder Rovic. Mainly the importance of putting your effort in the right place. One thing we talked about is the improvement of the whole zone over the last 6 weeks since Elder Rovic has become a Zone Leader here. 6 weeks ago our Zone, Minus one area with missionaries that were tearing it up, was pretty much dead. We weren't finding anybody new to teach. After going over the results with him, I saw that our key investigators have gone up a lot. We figured that this is because we changed the focus of where we were placing our effort. We have really focused on finding new people to teach that were really interested. It kind of hard to explain more then that. Anyways I learned a lot about how to invite people that the Lord has prepared better.

After 3 days in Udorn, we went to Khon Keng to have zone Conference. Here is where I met back up with Elder Jolley and switched back. At zone Conference, President Smith taught us about effective goal setting, daily and weekly planning, and the improvements to the English class that is going to take place nationwide. It was funny as President Smith was talking about how to take a vision and make it happen, I kept thinking about my dream to become a falconer. When I was 12 I had a vision to become a falconer. So I set goals that I needed to make. Such as have $1500 dollars for the equipment by the time I was 16, and take and pass the test. Through the goals and plans that I set I was able to achieve my vision and trap Tessa when I was 17 in high school. Thinking about that the past few days has really helped me to realize how helpful knowing what your vision is and making goals to achieve it is.

Well a little about Udorn. Its a much bigger city then Sakon Nakhon. I'm told its the third biggest tourist trap in Thailand, under Bangkok and Chaing Mai. Its really big. They have a lot a members there. So much that there is 2 branches there. The Missionaries there have split the city into three areas. Well really two. The zone leaders area, the Udorn District leader area, just normal missionaries, and the Sisters area, which cover the whole city. I have switched off enough in Udorn now that I think I can find my way from the bus station to the Elders home, but anymore then that and I'm lost.

So concerning the curfew, as far as we, the missionaries in Sakon Nakon, its been lifted. Things never really got crazy here thankfully.But you are right It was placed on specific provinces in the country. It was interesting as we were in Khong Keng this last weekend. The District Leader over that area warned us that there were certain areas that were off limits for the missionaries still to go into because of the events that took and may still be taking place. but other than that the country has really quieted down from my point of view. But everyone is still on guard.

It was interesting, I had the chance to talk to some firefighters in Udorn (that was really fun because I also learned a little about firefighting in Thailand) and he said when everything went crazy his fire truck caught on fire, but he didn't really explain why, I think he was a little embarrassed about it.


Anyways that's about it for what has been happening here in Thailand for the last week. Moves meeting is coming up really fast again, it on the 11th of June. so in about a week and a half. Elder Jolley and I know that one of us have to move because we have been together for 2 moves already. Its probably me that will move, unless something strange happens like I train or become senior companion. we'll see. Either way its going to be a exciting moves meeting.

I found out what Jasmine rice is here. It is a type of rice they eat. They call it the rice that smells good.That's a rough translation. Anyways if I get the chance to buy it I'll buy a little bit and tell you what I think. Speaking about cooking. In Udorn I tried to make a Thai desert, Its sticky rice with mango. Anyways I was able to do it. so when I get back I will have to make it. Its really good. Its also really really sweet. I think this next year I'm going to have to be more adventurous as well and start really learning how to make more Thai food. A lot of it really wouldn't be too hard, just takes some time to do it.


I can't wait to get the new conference addition. That one thing i have really learned to love on a mission. The sweet things that the apostles and our prophet tell us every year. And i have 4 pages left in my journal. I think that i will end it on Thursday one year after I started it in the MTC. No rush though if you send it in the next few days i should get it at move meeting. And until then I can write in a different note book.


Ok I have to go I love you all, and wish you warmer weather. But not to the weather here.


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